On this special year-end episode of The Higher Ed Pulse, hosts Mallory and Seth revisit highlights from a remarkable 2024. With 46 episodes in just 52 weeks, the duo reflects on the standout moments that shaped their journey and connected deeply with listeners. From innovative conversations about AI to candid discussions about leadership in higher education, this episode is a heartfelt celebration of growth, community, and impactful storytelling.
Key Takeaways
- AI’s Role in Education: The potential of AI in recruitment and operational efficiency remains transformative, allowing teams to focus on high-value, human-centric tasks.
- Career Advice for Rising Leaders: Hiring slow, firing fast, and leading with clarity are vital lessons for emerging professionals.
- Higher Education Leadership Challenges: Many CMOs face the challenge of navigating legacy models while driving future-focused results.
- Listener Engagement Matters: Hearing from listeners reinforced the importance of impactful, relatable content.
Highlight #1: The April Fool’s AI Episode
The April 1st episode explored AI’s possibilities in a groundbreaking way. Not only was the episode scripted by AI, but even the hosts’ voices were generated using AI voice clones. This creative experiment sparked awe and curiosity among listeners, showcasing the potential and ethical implications of AI in media. Seth shared how he continues to play the episode for friends and family, delighting in their astonishment upon learning the truth.
Revisit the full episode: https://www.enrollify.org/episodes/a-cautionary-tale-about-artificial-intelligence
Highlight #2: AI and Student Recruitment
In October, Mallory and Seth delved into the intersection of AI and student recruitment, spotlighting AI agents’ ability to drive applications and improve staff efficiency. This episode resonated widely, addressing a critical pain point for higher education professionals: balancing administrative burdens with meaningful, student-focused engagement. AI, as they noted, is not about replacing staff but empowering teams to prioritize high-touch initiatives.
Revisit the full episode: https://www.enrollify.org/episodes/episode-38-ai-student-recruitment
Highlight #3: Career Advice for Rising Leaders
The "Career Advice for Rising Leaders" episode provided actionable guidance for aspiring professionals. Seth and Mallory shared personal lessons, emphasizing the importance of hiring thoughtfully, giving constructive feedback, and embracing leadership opportunities. The positive response from listeners underscored the relevance of fostering transparent and supportive environments for professional growth.
Revisit the full episode: https://www.enrollify.org/episodes/episode-28-career-advice-for-rising-leaders
Highlight #4: Why Every CMO Wants to Quit
Drawing inspiration from SimpsonScarborough’s research, this episode tackled the pressures facing CMOs in higher education. Listeners related to the candid discussion about resource constraints, leadership autonomy, and the complexities of navigating legacy systems while achieving future-facing goals. Mallory’s reflection on whether CMOs are empowered to succeed remains a poignant takeaway for professionals at all levels.
Revisit the full episode: https://www.enrollify.org/episodes/saying-the-quiet-part-out-loud-why-every-edu-cmo-wants-to-quit
- - - -
Connect With Our Co-Hosts:
Mallory Willsea
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/
https://twitter.com/mallorywillsea
Seth Odell
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethodell/
https://twitter.com/sethodell
About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Pulse is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! Some of our favorites include Generation AI and Confessions of a Higher Education Social Media Manager.
Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.
Attend the 2025 Engage Summit!
The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.
Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register
